Pray with Ecuador, August 23, 2026

Pray with Ecuador, August 23, 2026

Lectionary Selection:  Matthew 16:13-20

Prayers for Ecuador

Following in the Footsteps of the Great I Am

As we visit the communities where the FEDICE team works—reflecting God’s grace—we sense the presence of the Great I Am in the warmth of the people, the innocence of the children, and the natural world, all manifesting God’s greatness, power, and sovereignty over Ecuador.

Lord, we thank You for all the blessings received and for those yet to come. Hear, O Lord, our petitions:

  • We pray for the sick who lack the financial resources needed to access medicine and medical care.
  • We pray for mothers and fathers who have lost their jobs and face the difficult responsibility of supporting their families.
  • We acknowledge that You are the Son of the living God and that You have the power to grant wisdom to our country’s leaders, so that they may seek the nation’s well-being and promote a peace based on justice for all.
  • We give You thanks for the people who support FEDICE, enabling us to serve, walk alongside, and encourage families to move forward. Their passion and commitment make it possible to fulfill the mission of the Kingdom of God and His justice.

Mission Moment from Ecuador

Mushuc Sirak Warmicuna (“New Women’s Embroidery”)

The primary source of employment for the Pijal community is the flower plantations, where mothers and fathers work from early morning until dusk. Consequently, many young children are left alone at home or in the care of neighbors and grandparents.

Faced with this reality, the El Buen Pastor church—with support from FEDICE and the participation of 20 women—organized the Mushuc Sirak Warmicuna entrepreneurial group to create job opportunities within the community.

The traditional attire of Pijal women is characterized by delicate hand embroidery, a highly valued regional tradition. However, over time, this artisanal craft has been displaced by mechanized production.

One of the group’s main objectives is to revive the culture of hand embroidery, preserving Andean symbols and nature-inspired elements. Furthermore, they seek to pass on the knowledge and techniques inherited from their grandmothers to new generations, while incorporating contemporary tools and designs to create new garments without losing their cultural identity.

The project’s vision is for the women to eventually own their own specialized hand-embroidery workshop, achieving economic independence without neglecting the well-being of their homes and families.

This dream would not be possible without FEDICE’s support; the group continues to grow stronger, advancing toward its goals and building a future with greater opportunities for the entire community.

Prepared by Pastor Carmen Castañeda, member of the FEDICE executive committee.
Edited and reviewed by Blanca Puma Martínez, Executive Director of FEDICE.

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